Review & Giveaway: Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods

Harlequin MIRA

August 2012

Format: Paperback, 384 pages

First line: Lynn Morrow was at her wit’s end.

From the back of the book: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sherryl Woods explores the healing power of a love strong enough to join two wounded families.

Single mom Lynn Morrow
is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter. Her
soon-to-be-ex-husband has failed to meet his obligations time and
again—but it turns out that Ed is struggling with his own demons.

Enter
contractor Mitch Franklin, an unlikely knight in shining armor. A
widower with two grieving sons, Mitch once admired Lynn from afar. Now
he sees in her not only the sweet girl who got away, but a woman
desperately in need of support. While rushing to the rescue of Lynn and
her children comes naturally, he’s also wise enough to
encourage Lynn to find her own way……hopefully straight into his arms.

My thoughts:  This is the final book in Sherryl Woods’ latest Sweet Magnolias trilogy and the 10th book in the series, and I found it to be quite a moving story. It is basically the story of a mother struggling to stay afloat and the man who becomes her quiet hero and makes everything alright.

Lynn Morrow is struggling, but does not want to be a charity case. She takes on multiple jobs and learns to stretch the dollar as far as it will go. All this is because her soon-to-be ex-husband is not living up to his part of the deal – providing for his family. Mitch Franklin is doing work next door to Lynn and just happens to be an old flame from the past. Dealing with his own problems, he becomes aware that not all is as it seems at the Morrow household. Realizing that Lynn has her pride, he reigns in his attraction and quietly offers her support. Can these two see what’s in front of them and move past their own baggage to make things work?

The other story-line that deserves mention is that involving the Senior Magnolias – Liz, Flo and Frances.  Beginning with the first of this latest trilogy, Midnight Promises, we find out that Frances is suffering from some memory issues. This story-line continues in Catching Fireflies and comes to a conclusion in this installment – a conclusion that is both heart-breaking and touching.

Of course, a visit to Serenity would not be complete without the appearance of those Sweet Magnolias and they show up when needed. Lynn’s lawyer is one of the founding members of the Sweet Magnolias, Helen, and she, along with the rest of the gang, also provide Lynn with the support she needs going through her divorce. They are also there to help out with Frances when needed, as well.

I think Lynn sums it up perfectly what the Sweet Magnolias have come to stand for when she says: “I never knew how much it meant to have friends like you, the kind who are there at a moment’s notice, who listen without making judgments, who’ll whip up a margarita at the first sign of a crisis.” If only we all had friends like that!!!

I received a complimentary copy of Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods from Eric at Media Connect.

 

Books in this series:

1. Stealing Home                           6.  Sweet Tea at Sunrise
2. A Slice of Heaven                     7.  Honeysuckle Summer
3. Feels Like Family                     8.  Midnight Promises
4. Welcome to Serenity              9.  Catching Fireflies
5. Home in Carolina                   10.  Where Azaleas Bloom

Giveaway Information (CLOSED):

 

Thanks to Eric at Media Connect I haveonecopy ofWhere Azaleas Bloom  and a Laura Ashley gardening apron  to give away to my readers.  Giveaway is open to US/Canada only.

Rules:

• Open to US/Canada
• No PO Boxes
• Must include email address to enter
• Book will be mailed out by the publicist

To enter (required entry):  Leave me a comment letting me know why you want to win  Where Azaleas Bloom. Please include your e-mail address in your comment, so that I have a way to contact you if you win. No e-mail= no entry!

 

– +3 additional entries become a follower of Always With a Book. If you are already a follower you will automatically receive the bonus entries (just leave the name you follow under). 

– +1 additional entry
each, please help spread the word by
blogging, posting on sidebar, tweeting or posting this
giveaway on Facebook.  

 

All entries can be in one comment- but don’t forget your email address or it won’t count!

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

GIVEAWAY ENDS SEPTEMBER 16th